In-cell 19F NMR of protein interactions
The focus group ‘In-cell 19F NMR of protein interactions’ is led by Hans Fischer Senior Fellow Prof. Angela M. Gronenborn from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Department of Structural Biology, together with her hosts Prof. Michael Sattler (Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Bavarian NMR Center) and Prof. Franz Hagn (Structural Membrane Biochemistry, TUM School of Natural Sciences).
The Focus Group’s research seeks to advance protein science through the development and applications of innovative 19F NMR methodologies, enabling detailed investigations of protein structure, dynamics, and interactions in complex environments and live mammalian cells. Novel approaches will address current limitations in sensitivity and resolution of NMR studies of challenging systems, while opening new avenues for investigating biomolecules and ligand/drug interactions in cells. Building on established methods for site-specific fluorine incorporation into proteins and the widespread use of fluorine in pharmaceuticals, this technology has transformative potential across a wide range of biochemical applications. The Focus Group will leverage expertise in 19F NMR studies and advanced biochemical tools to enable comprehensive investigations of biomedically relevant pathways, both in vitro and in cellular environments. The research outcomes should contribute significantly to drug discovery and launch in vivo pharmacology, as well as foster new collaborations that expand 19F NMR technology development. The expected advances will benefit the broader scientific community at TUM, establishing new approaches for studying protein-drug interactions and cellular processes.